Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Oil Search forms health foundation

By MALUM NALU

OIL Search Ltd has created a new charity, Oil Search Health Foundation, as part of its social obligation for better health services in Papua New Guinea, The National reports.
 Managing director Peter Botten yesterday gave the media a sneak preview of the foundation as Oil Search prepared for its launching at the Gateway Hotel in Port Moresby tomorrow evening.
Oil Search managing director Peter Botten…excited about the company’s health foundation.-Nationalpic by MALUM NALU

He said US$5 to US$7 million (K10 million to K14 million) would be spent each year by the foundation starting with 10 provinces: Southern Highlands, Hela, Gulf, Enga, Western Highlands, Jiwaka, Chimbu, Madang, Morobe and National Capital District.
“We want to expand this programme across the country,” Botten said.
“The programmes we are doing are world-class programmes in conjunction with the Department of Health.
“This is a long-term commitment that Oil Search is taking.
“The Health Foundation is a critical part of us being able to provide something back to the country.
“As PNG goes through major change, it becomes more and more important for government and developers to work together.”
The foundation is a non-profit, registered charity created in collaboration with the National Department of Health and various major donors, including Global Fund, to provide a platform for the management and delivery of community health initiatives within PNG, primarily focused on  HIV/AIDS management, malaria control and child and maternal health.
AusAid and Asian Development Bank will also be partners and will utilise the services of non-government organisations such as Susu Mamas and Igat Hope, as well as church groups to deliver health services.
It will build upon Oil Search’s community programme success and to ensure that ongoing management and funding continue to strengthen the public health care systems in PNG.
Oil Search Health Foundation manager Ross Hutton said the company had about 20 years experience in providing health services to its employees in Southern Highlands and Gulf provinces, and would work closely with national and provincial health authorities on this new initiative.
The foundation will be the operating platform for the “National Expansion Initiative” and would enable Oil Search to channel necessary funds and resources into achieving the ultimate objective of improving public health across PNG.
Oil Search will collaborate with the Department of Health, World Health Organisation, and other health authorities in the country to ensure the initiative complements national health plans and programmes.
An independent board of trustees would facilitate attraction of international donor and joint venture funding.
The trust will maintain its own bank account and accounting records and will be subject to annual external audit.

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